Match Preview: LA Galaxy vs. New England Revolution

L.A.
Galaxy vs. New England Revolution at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Galaxy
lead all-time regular season series 13-12-4.

TV Info

11:00
p.m. E.S.T, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Sports en Español

What's at stake?

The
Fourth of July comes early for both sides. The last two seasons New England has
visited the Galaxy on the nation’s birthday. The Revs have taken three of the
last four meetings between the two teams at The Home Depot Center. With Shalrie
Joseph missing from the match, the new-look Revs have their work cut out for them.

Last meeting

Two
minutes into his Galaxy debut, Alecko Eskandarian scored and the Galaxy made it
stand in a 1-0 win on July 4, 2009. In the process the Galaxy snapped an
eight-game winless streak against the Revolution. Eskandarian was not supposed
to start but replaced Alan Gordon, who was scratched after suffering an injury
during warm-ups.

Remember when?

The
Revolution have never won an MLS Cup before, and the Galaxy have played a large
role in that. Twice the Revs and Galaxy have met in an MLS Cup final, and twice
the Galaxy won. In both 2002 and 2005, the Galaxy beat the Revolution 1-0 after
extra time. Both games were scoreless going into the extra session and a Guatemalan
did the Revs in each time. Carlos Ruiz scored a golden goal in 2002 while
Guillermo “Pando” Ramirez slammed a full volley into the back of the net three
years later.

Heroes & Villains ...

Preston Burpo vs. Landon
Donovan: You’ve got to figure Donovan will get past New England’s defense
at some point. Whether he is able to score a goal will depend on Burpo, who
figures to start with Matt Reis injured. Burpo has some success against Donovan
and the Galaxy. Chivas USA’s first-ever shutout against the Galaxy was in July
2006, with Burpo in goal for the Goats.

Stat that makes you go, “Hmm …”

The
probable forward combinations: the Galaxy’s Donovan and Edson Buddle have
combined for 169 MLS goals. New England’s Kheli Dube and Zach Schilawski have
combined for 12.

He said it

“I don’t think there are any secrets to how we approach the game,
just try and go out there and play well and get a goal at home and put them
under pressure.” – Galaxy coach Bruce Arena on his team’s game plan.